Rescue Ranch: Fundraiser a rousing success

Monday

Oct 7, 2013 at 9:40 AM

Kevin Dickinson

Dog, music, barbecue and dessert lovers assembled at Rescue Ranch in Yreka on Saturday for the shelter's open house to raise funds for the nonprofit, no-kill shelter and boarding facility.The event featured a barbecue lunch, raffle drawing, silent auction, dessert auction and live music from the Yreka band, River Rock."This is an extremely caring, kind and giving community," said Pat Bergen, office volunteer. "We've experienced that in donations and people just asking to help."Auction items were provided by local artists, merchants and community members. These included a pontoon kayak; two truck loads of firewood; several paintings by local artists; a handmade quilt and a shadow box displaying a collection of commemorative coins. The dessert auction featured multiple tables weighed down by the caloric strain of all manner of pies, cakes, cookies and gooey treats defying traditional confectionary definition.Attendees could also help Rescue Ranch by partaking in a barbecue lunch of hamburgers, hot dogs and baked beans served with chips and a drink. In addition to the human treats, the four-legged participants snacked on dog biscuits.Mingling with the guests, Rescue Ranch volunteers shared the stories and personalities of the adoptable pooches, as well as their own love for the shelter.When asked what it is like to volunteer, Jacob Bristol said, "It's great. You get to spend all the time you want with the dogs. It's just fun."The young Jacob's volunteer work at Rescue Ranch is now part of an unofficial family tradition. In addition to his mother and aunt, Jacob's grandmother volunteered before she passed away about a year ago. Jacob keeping the tradition alive is made all the easier given that the dog is his favorite animal. In addition to the human volunteers, several attendees brought their well-behaved, four-legged friends to trot around the Rescue Ranch grounds and socialize with the sheltered pups.Rescue Ranch volunteers also introduced visitors to the shelter's new project: the memorial wall. Individuals can make donations in the name of a loved one or dearly departed pet and a steel, copper or brass plaque will be mounted on the artistically decorated wall in his or her honor.

According to volunteer Lauri Hunner, local artist Ralph Starritt is working on a metal dog sculpture for the memorial display.Bergen noted that last year Rescue Ranch found caring homes for about 100 stray or surrendered dogs. This year, to date, the shelter has found homes for 84 dogs. Since participants could begin the adoption process during the open house, the number is likely to grow in the next few weeks."I'm so happy we're becoming known as the new Rescue Ranch," Bergen said.Rescue Ranch's mission is to find loving homes for stray and surrendered dogs. It is at 2216 Oberlin Road. Those with questions or wanting to start the adoption process may call 842-0829.